It was another thrilling year of sports action in and around La Plata County, with high school teams claiming state championships and several individual athletes reaching new heights. Here’s a look at the top sports stories of the year:
BAYFIELD HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WINS CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: Led by a class of 13 special seniors, the Wolverines defeated Platte Valley 28-20 in the CHSAA Class 2A State Championship game to earn the school’s second football state championship and first since 1996. The win capped off a perfect 12-0 season in which the defense dominated opponents and the rushing attack carried the offense. But it was the passing game that was the difference, and senior QB Kelton McCoy went on to be named the 2A Player of the Year, headlining seven All-State selections for BHS.
DURANGO BOYS CROSS COUNTRY: Only weeks removed from controversy after having athletes suspended for bringing marijuana on a team trip to Arizona, the Demons grew from adversity and claimed the CHSAA Class 4A State Championship for the school’s first team state title since 1999.
HOWARD GROTTS: A Durango native, 22-year-old Howard Grotts competed in the elite division at the mountain bike world championships and claimed gold in the cross country race. Grotts called the win cathartic following the death of his older brother earlier in the summer.
ALEX HERRERA: A 2010 graduate of Ignacio High School, Herrera left the Fort Lewis men’s basketball team the most decorated player in program history before signing a contract to play in Finland.
LAURA THWEATT: A 2007 Durango High School graduate, Thweatt finished as the top American woman at the New York City Marathon, becoming a sensation in the world of marathon running in the process.
LAUREN MILLIET: Though only an incoming freshman, 2015 Durango High School graduate Lauren Milliet made the Colorado College roster for the World University Games in South Korea. She started and scored a goal in her very first game to give the United States a 1-0 win against South Africa.
IRON HORSE BICYCLE CLASSIC: Young gun Keegan Swirbul claimed the 44th annual road race, but it was 59-year-old Ned Overend who claimed the omnium title. Meanwhile, top women’s rider Mara Abbott matched Overend’s road race record of five wins in a year that will be most remembered for Gaige Sippy’s return as race director, much to the delight of Durango locals.
BOB HOFMAN: The winningest head coach in Fort Lewis history agreed to retire after 19 seasons leading the Skyhawks’ men’s basketball program. Serving as head coach emeritus for one final season, Hofman was recognized by his alma mater Colorado, as the Buffaloes named their practice court in his honor.
FORT LEWIS MOUNTAIN BIKE TEAM: Led by Sofia Gomez-Villafañe’s individual omnium championship, the Skyhawks won the mountain bike national championship for the 22nd national title in program history. Zach Graveson was the individual champion in dual slalom, and Rebecca Gardner was first in women’s downhill.
FORT LEWIS FOOTBALL: After leading the Skyhawks to their first winning season (7-4)since 2006, famed head coach John L. Smith resigned to take the job at Kentucky State after three seasons in Durango.
heraldsports@durangoherald.com
